Coronel's father, Ygnacio Coronel, was a major player in the early years of Los Angeles. In addition to serving as a City Councilmember (1851-1852, 1852-1853), Election Inspector, City Assessor, Police Commissioner, Coronel established the first school in Los Angeles (and taught there from 1844 and 1856).

IN MEMORY: "As, in the flight of time, he recedes gradually into the distance of the past, he will, I imagine... become more and more a striking figure in the annals of the times in which he lived." (Los Angeles Herald)